Apparatus for making x-ray images

Abstract

An apparatus for making X-ray images includes an X-ray source which is controlled by an X-ray source control. A luminescent screen provides a visible image based upon X-rays transmitted by the X-ray source. A CCD camera receives and stores the visible image. Imaging optics including a mirror reflect the visible image to the camera without splitting the visible image into parts. A photosensor is in optical communication with the luminescent screen and is separate from the CCD camera. The photosensor is positioned such that an illumination power of the luminescent screen falls on the photosensor practically from within an area of an entire portion of the visible image. A computer and control connectable to the X-ray source control for adjusting exposure of the apparatus is connected to the photosensor.

We claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus for making X-ray images, comprising: an X-ray source controlled by an X-ray source control means;   a luminescent screen for providing a visible image based upon X-rays transmitted by said X-ray source;   a CCD camera for receiving and storing said visible image;   imaging optics including a mirror for reflecting said visible image to the camera without splitting said visible image into parts;   a photosensor in optical communication with said luminescent screen and separate from said CCD camera, said photosensor being positioned such that an illumination power of said luminescent screen falls on said photosensor practically from within an area of an entire portion of said visible image; and   computing and control means connected to said photosensor, said computing and control means being connectable to said X-ray source control means for adjusting exposure of said apparatus.   
     
     
       2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging optics and the photosensor are positioned apart so that a first cone collected by the imaging optics and a second cone collected by the photosensor leave the luminescent screen at an angle to each other. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the photosensor is positioned opposite the mirror so that the illumination power reflected by the mirror is transmitted directly thereto. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the photosensor is positioned beside the CCD camera to receive light reflected by the mirror. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an additional mirror for reflecting the visible image reflected by the mirror to the CCD camera, the photosensor being disposed beside the additional mirror. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an electronic unit including a program which is arranged to correct at high quantities of exposure a signal obtained from a luminous point in a saturation range to correspond to a dependent of signals in a linear range on a quantity of exposure. 
     
     
       7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the CCD camera comprises a thinned CCD-image transducer. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said luminescent screen is a phosphor screen.